Bowdoin College vs. Washington and Lee

Comparable Facts

Compare Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME with Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Washington and Lee University is larger than Bowdoin College based on total student enrollment (2,241 students vs. 1,881 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Bowdoin College is located in Brunswick, ME (Distant Town setting); Washington and Lee University is in Lexington, VA (Distant Town setting).
• Bowdoin College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Washington and Lee University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Bowdoin College 9:1; Washington and Lee University 7:1.

Bowdoin College vs. Washington and Lee Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Bowdoin College or Washington and Lee? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Bowdoin College than Washington and Lee ($22,228 vs. $23,055).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Bowdoin College are 1.1% lower than at Washington and Lee University ($18,488 vs. $18,685).
• Washington and Lee University is 0.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Bowdoin College (about $213 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 0.3% higher at Washington and Lee than at Bowdoin College (about $213 more per year; $68,045.00 vs. $67,832.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Washington and Lee University than at Bowdoin College (64% vs. 55%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Washington and Lee University students is 1.7% larger than aid received by Bowdoin College students ($63,945 vs. $62,872).

Bowdoin College vs. Washington and Lee Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Bowdoin College or Washington and Lee? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Washington and Lee and Bowdoin College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Bowdoin College (1510) is 20 points higher than at Washington and Lee (1490).
• Incoming Bowdoin College students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 33 at Washington and Lee).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 1470/1550; Washington and Lee University 1430/1540.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Bowdoin College 33/35; Washington and Lee University 33/34.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Bowdoin College - Test optional; Washington and Lee - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Bowdoin College Jan 5, 2027; Washington and Lee Jan 1, 2027.
• Washington and Lee has a higher acceptance rate (14%) than Bowdoin College (7.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 53.6% at Bowdoin College vs. 41.2% at Washington and Lee.

Bowdoin College vs. Washington and Lee Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Bowdoin College and Washington and Lee? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Bowdoin College's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Washington and Lee University's (91%).
• Graduates from Washington and Lee University earn a median of about $14,000 more per year than Bowdoin College graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,000 vs. $75,000), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have a $2,667 lower median loan debt than Washington and Lee graduates ($18,833 vs. $21,500).
• Among borrowers, Bowdoin College graduates have an estimated $28 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Washington and Lee graduates ($194 vs. $222).
• More Washington and Lee graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Bowdoin College students, three years after graduation. (88% vs. 87%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.